A lot of not-so-great things happened in 2020. I recognize that’s the understatement of the year, but please bear with me a moment.
As a journalist, I was not immune to feeling hopeless at certain points during this year and, like others, have struggled to make sense of things.
During these low moments, I’d reach for a book with a guaranteed happily ever after, binge-watch a sitcom, go outside or corral my cat into a forced cuddle (the only thing harmed was his pride, I swear).
I’d also take solace in the good I saw — and have been honored to report about — happening in the Upper Valley. There is that oft-mentioned Mr. Rogers quote about looking for the “helpers” in times of trouble. I see it circulating on social media after nearly every natural or man-made disaster or tragedy.
And while it does feel cliche to mention it yet again, I think it’s fitting in this context: While 2020 will long be remembered as the year of the pandemic, I hope it will also be remembered as a year where people felt a deeper commitment to helping and serving their communities.
Here is a list — by no means complete and in no particular order — of 20 of the good things that I reported on that happened in the Upper Valley this year. Readers, what are some of the good things you observed? Email me at esauchelli@vnews.com or call 603-727-3221 to let me know for a future column.
■ The hundreds — thousands? — of people throughout the Upper Valley who made — and keep making — cloth masks for organizations and people in need throughout the region. “It gave me something useful to do,” Rose Foley, a member of the Grantham-based Susie Stitchers told me in September.
■ Hannah Cerasoli, who organizes the Sharing & Caring Food Program, a 24/7 food pantry outside the White River Junction United Methodist Church. “We have called on the community to come and help us, and we have seen so many donations, which is incredible,” Cerasoli said in April.
■ Enfield and Grafton police officers who, in the early days of the pandemic, brought boxes of food prepared weekly by the Friends of Mascoma Foundation to residents who were unable to leave their homes.
■ Organizers of the North Haverhill Fair, who encouraged people to share their memories of fairs’ past on Facebook, leading to a delightful virtual exchange after the annual event was canceled.
■ Everyone involved in the Queer Caravan LGBTQ Pride Parade in White River Junction.
■ The younger adults who volunteered through Senior Solutions to run errands and deliver goods to senior citizens, taking the place of older adults or those who were at higher risk from COVID-19.
■ Speaking of volunteers, all the younger folks who worked as poll workers or other roles on Election Day.
■ All of the staff and volunteers at area senior citizens who are regularly calling patrons they no longer see in person, setting up remote programs and instituting drive-thru meals to keep people connected.
■ The grassroots community aid groups that sprung up almost immediately in March to meet the needs of residents in their towns.
■ The Dartmouth College students who, despite being away from campus, stayed in touch with the Upper Valley through online tutoring sessions and pen pal programs.
■ Librarians who made sure WiFi extended through their parking lots, took to Zoom for children’s story times, delivered books to residents and helped connect people with resources. “I just feel so blessed that I’m able to be part of helping, even if it’s just that one kid, have some sense of normalcy,” Richards Free Library youth librarian Moriah Churchill-Calkins said in May.
■ Organizers of the October turkey suppers have been a staple at the First Universalist Society of Hartland — and all community dinner organizers, for that matter — who switched over to takeout and drive-thru meals. “Our whole routine of life has been interrupted, and this is just another way to try to keep some normalcy to it,” Bruce Locke, a member of the committee that plans the Hartland suppers, told me in October.
■The West Claremont Center for the Music and the Arts began experimenting with augmented reality technology. Pre-recorded performances were projected into Union Church, allowing people to stream shows taking place in a familiar setting.
■ Maurice Leblanc, who broadcast weekly concerts to his Lebanon neighbors. “I think music is a universal language that can bring people together,” he said in August.
■ The Upper Valley Music Center’s Patricia Norton — and other members of the Upper Valley choral arts scene — who found ways for groups to continue to sing together.
■Area historical societies and their volunteers who encouraged peoples’ renewed interest in town and family history. “I think cultural organizations in the Upper Valley do have a role to play during all this,” Sarah Rooker, director of the Norwich Historical Society, told me in April.
■ The abundance of lights that lit up the Upper Valley this holiday season, from organizations to individual homes. Also, the scarecrows and pumpkin people that popped up in the fall.
■The Cross Rivendell Trail Association, Upper Valley Trails Alliance, Upper Valley Land Trust, Hanover Conservancy and other outdoors organizations that put together scavenger hunts and trail challenges to engage people in nature.
■The parents and community members who found ways to make kids’ birthdays special through drive-by parties and visits from first responders. “I think we get more out of it than they do,” Bethel Fire Chief David Aldrighetti told me in April.
■ Every person who knew of a community member or organization in need and moved to help, either through monetary donations, action or words of encouragement.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
